Youth

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Youth

Learning and growing in relationship with God is a lifelong process.

Being in ministry with and for youth is central to who we are at GUC. Young people are spiritual — as much as they are physical, emotional, and intellectual. They have questions and needs that a faith community can help with.

We believe that central to our children’s spiritual and religious development is their experience of belonging — as they are now, not for who they might become — and to know they are a treasured part of this church. All of our programs are welcoming, fun, safe, and open.

First Look

Infant - Kindergarten

First Look

Infant - Kindergarten

Our infant through kindergarten program meet on the lower level of the church building during worship from 10:00 to 11:00. If you are a first-time visitor, come early to allow your child time to adjust to their new surroundings and to let our staff learn how we may best serve your family’s needs. Our staff are ready to receive children at 9:45 am on Sunday morning.

Infants and toddlers through 2 years, meet in the Nursery which is located next to our Pre-school area. They are cared for by our loving staff, and each week are engaged with singing, Bible stories and hands-on projects related to the theme for the day. Our nursery teacher has years of experience working with this age group, and she is ready to collaborate with parents to provide the most comfortable transition for our youngest members and their families.

Children 3 years old through kindergarten are welcome to attend Sunday School which also meets in the same location as our Nursery. Our program is suited to pre-readers with lots of hands-on activities, singing, and Bible stories. We have licensed child care providers leading our First Look groups each week. The program begins at 10:00 for this age group.

For more information about any of our infant through 5th grade programming at GUC please contact Jennifer Wood:jennifer@glencoeunionchurch.org224-216-3154 (cell)

Cornerstone Kids' Worship

First - Fourth Grade

Cornerstone Kids' Worship

First - Fourth Grade

Cornerstone Kids’ Worship is church school for children who are presently in the 1st - 4th grades. Children are invited to begin worship with their families, and following the Children’s Story, go to Cornerstone Worship. Our 1st – 4th grader’s program is patterned on Christian worship: singing, praying, hearing stories of the Bible, and making meaningful connections between those stories and contemporary life. Each Sunday, Jennifer Wood leads this rich children’s worship time.

For more information about any of our infant through 5th grade programming at GUC please contact Jennifer Wood:jennifer@glencoeunionchurch.org224-216-3154 (cell)

Take a minute to watch our Christmas Project.

Junior & Senior High

Connect and Encounter

Junior & Senior High

Connect and Encounter

CONNECT: Jr High at GUC

(grades 5, 6, 7, 8)Connect what you’ve learned in your life, in Sunday School and church to the person you’re becoming now. Connect the story of your life to the story of God. Connect who you are (your passions, skills, and dreams) with what the world needs.

CONNECT: Jr High meets for Sunday School at 9:00 am, before worship, and monthly throughout the year for fun, friendship, service, and learning. Come join us on Sunday mornings for spirited exchanges of ideas about the Bible, contemporary issues affecting young people, and the challenges of living a life that reflects God’s love in the world.

ENCOUNTER: Sr High at GUC

(grades 9 – 12)Encounter new ideas, big questions, and all kinds of people — from Guatemala to right here at home. Get your hands dirty finding out where and how the world needs you.

ENCOUNTER: Sr High meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 - 7:15. There’s always pizza and a chance to talk about what matters — and what can get overlooked in the frantic course of our day-to-day lives. We’ll be taking up topics throughout the course of the year so you can drop in once, come every week, or choose a conversation that interests you.

Sr High students also travel each year to be the face of love at Los Hogares ( in Santa Apolonia, Guatemala). We travel on behalf of the congregation here, and come back ready to share what we’ve seen, experienced, and how we’ve changed. Most of us who’ve been on this trip find that it shapes the way we look at the rest of world: what the world needs, how we might be of service, and why any of that matters.

Glencoe Union Church is pleased to introduce our new Assistant Minister, Colin Knapp. Colin has begun his work with us, in mid-August and is excited to with our youth in September.

Confirmation

Discover: Confirmation

Confirmation

Discover: Confirmation

You’ve done Sunday School. You’ve done church — as part of your family.It’s time for the next step.

Confirmation is an invitation into a community of faith, a community of questioners, a community that travels in the footsteps of Jesus. You get to decide if you will join the journey.

In Confirmation class, we explore the Christian faith — traditions, beliefs, commitments — and what that might mean for you. At the end of the year, you’ll have enough information and experience to decide for yourself what’s the next step in your spiritual journey.

Confirmation is a one-year school-year program primarily for 8th graders, but open to any who want to join!

With questions, for a calendar, or for more information, contact Rev. Rebecca Anderson, our Associate Ministerrebecca@glencoeunionchurch.orgor call her at 847-814-9898